Marital Crisis and Social Development of Children Among Children in Sunyani Municipality

Marital crises, including conflict, separation, domestic violence, and economic stress, pose serious risks to children’s development. This study investigated their effects on the personal and social wellbeing of children in Sunyani Municipality, Ghana. Using a mixed-method design, data were collected from 200 school-going children (ages 10–18) and 20 parents through questionnaires, school records, and interviews. A composite Marital Crisis Index was developed, and quantitative analyses included descriptive statistics, correlations, and regression models. Results indicated that higher marital crisis scores were associated with lower school attendance, weaker academic performance, and diminished self- esteem, alongside higher depression, anxiety, and delinquency. Children from unstable homes were more than twice as likely to experience bullying victimization. Protective factors such as extended family support and school counseling reduced these risks. The findings show the importance of family stability, and it also highlight the need for school- and community-based interventions to protect children’s development.